Well it's true, FFI doesn't flat out tell you what to do next, you do have to track down the one generic looking NPC with the information you're looking for, but that non-descript person WILL tell you where to go next. There just won't be a cut-scene or anything. They added something similar in the WSC version, where going into Cornelia at all puts guards at all the exits who won't let you leave without first speaking to the king.